Owens May Make the News, But He Isn't a Lone Star

Perhaps never in the history of pro football has the media scrutinized a preseason injury more than Terrell Owens's sore hamstring. His sessions on a stationary bicycle became major news, particularly when he pedaled wearing a racing helmet and a Discovery racing jersey a la Lance Armstrong.

With Owens missing most of the Cowboys' preseason practices nursing the injury, Coach Bill Parcells suggested his team's top playmaker best get back on the practice field. Owens complied in late August, only to aggravate the hamstring. "I'm getting a sense that most of the media is just waiting for something to be controversial in that regard," Parcells said of Owens, "and I'm here to tell you it's not going to happen from me, so you need to get that in your head."

Stay tuned to see if and when the relationship sours to the point where it could put Dallas's season in jeopardy. Until then, the Cowboys must be considered a playoff contender and could challenge for the division title.

With all the hoopla surrounding the offseason signing of Owens, the addition of Mike Vanderjagt became almost an afterthought. But the place kicker, the most accurate in league history, is a welcome addition to a team that lost three games by three points or less last season.

Health in the backfield is a must for the Cowboys to make a run at the playoffs. That means protecting Drew Bledsoe so he can throw long to Owens. Julius Jones is a capable runner, but the tailback has never played a full season.

The defense, young and fast, is sound and has a chance to be among the league's best with safety Roy Williams as its anchor.